Elizabeth Johnson is a Ghanaian –Nigerian avid reader and lover of the Creative Arts. She is also a writer and has worked with various online platforms as an editor and content creator. She also produces a literary radio show and has worked as a festival administrator. Her story was featured in the 2017 Independence anthology by Afridiaspora. Her play has been staged by African Theater Workshop and she is the 2018 winner of the Random Thoughts writing Prize.

African writers are not only known for their exciting page-turning books that can be found in almost every literary enthusiast’s home. They are also recognised for adding their voices to social issues and creating awareness of the true African society.

Today, writers like Chimamanda Adichie, Imbolo Mbue and several others are not only using the power of their pen to talk about feminism and immigration, but do not shy away from speaking on the challenges around these topics. This is no new trend for African writers.

Many African writers, especially during the post-independence era in Africa rose up to be activists of all sorts demanding proper justice in their countries and raising awareness on social issues that needed to change.

The likes of Chinua Achebe and Ama Ata Aidoo are typical examples of African writers who used their pens in several ways to address pertinent issues.

While several of them were able to escape harsh treatment from political leaders, there are several others who suffered greatly for their works. Here are 6 writers who were imprisoned for their literature and activism but did not allow their time in prison to silence them.